HISTORY
History of Grace Chapel
1979–Present
1979 – Upon graduation from Dallas Seminary, Paul and Char Barnes move back to Denver to plant a church in the growing southeast area of Denver. The first service was held at Cherry Creek West Middle School with 30 people attending. Winter of 1979, services were moved to Chapel Hill Mortuary and viewing rooms were turned into classrooms.
1983 – We purchased three acres of land at Arapahoe and Colorado and built our own building. After much sacrifice, 60 families moved into the brand new church.
1987 – Because of the rapid growth to 200 families, a second floor was added. After further growth, worship services were moved to Isaac Newton Middle School; both the church building and the school were used on Sundays. Because of our continued growth, a decision was made to relocate the church.
1992 – We bought 18 acres on the Park Meadows Road near Yosemite. Shortly after this purchase, God presented the opportunity for us to buy the empty Leo Payne Auto Plaza. After two frustrating years of negotiating with General Motors, we closed the deal in December 1994. We sold the Park Meadows property and Arapahoe church campus and bought the Auto Plaza with cash. We then remodeled and remodeled some more.
1995 – During the remodeling of the Auto Plaza, we continued worshipping at Isaac Newton Middle School. In October 1995, the Auto Plaza property became our church home. Worship services were held in the Fellowship Hall and Chapel.
1997 – The Worship Center was completed in December 1997! We were able to move from three Sunday morning services to two services.
2000 – Over 1,000 families called Grace Chapel home. We had three services and added a fourth service geared to the emerging generation and called it “Elevation.” Our long-term strategic plan – “Impact ‘05” guided our steps. We purchased an additional eight acres next to our current property.
2004 – Because of God’s challenge on the heart of our Senior Pastor, Paul Barnes, the Elders, and staff, we began the long process of considering and implementing a new vision, mission, and strategy.
2006 – After 28 years as Senior Pastor, Paul Barnes resigned in December 2006. We then began the process of searching for a new Senior Pastor.
June 2007 – March 2015 – The Elder Board issued a Call to John Zivojinovic, to become the new Senior Pastor of Grace Chapel. John accepted the Call. In August 2014, John informed the Elder Board of his decision to follow the Lord’s leading by pursuing an opportunity in the field of education.
May 2015 – After an extensive search for a new Senior Pastor, the Elder Board issued a Call to Josh Weidmann, to become the new Senior Pastor of Grace Chapel. Josh accepted the Call and began his ministry on May 31, 2015.
